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A lost brand and a lost friend
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Golfsmith has quietly launched MacGregor golf balls into its retail stores. The company acquired the MacGregor brand earlier this year from owners that included Greg Norman.
"You'll see MacGregor hats and bags very soon as well. You'll see equipment by the end of the first quarter (2010) at the latest,'' Golfsmith CEO Martin Hanaka said.
That's just what the industry needs - another attempt to revive a failed brand. MacGregor, at one time owned by Jack Nicklaus, likely will end up as another ''house'' brand, which makes one what major (or minor) equipment company's space might be sacrificed for MacGregor.
LOST: Bruce Parker, the right-hand man of Ely Callwway in the early days of Callaway Golf Co. (NYSE: ELY), died Oct. 24 of congestive heart failure. He was only 54 years old.
I first met Parker nearly 20 years ago in the pre-Big Bertha days at Callaway Golf. He was one of the shrewdest marketers the golf industry has ever seen. The current Callaway Golf management team could use someone with the skills Parker posessed.
Although we didn't always agree - Parker could be a bit aloof and dismissive - I always respected his knowledge and drive, as well as his allegiance to Ely Callaway.
Parker and I spoke several times the past few years on various industry-related topics and I grew to consider him a friend.
I'll miss my friend.
